Answer:

Introduction:

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is an arrangement between India and Myanmar that allows tribal communities along their shared border to move up to 16 km into the other nation without a visa. While intended to strengthen cross-border cultural ties and enhance local trade, the FMR has been embroiled in controversies relating to Manipur’s internal security challenges.

Body:

Historical and Cultural Significance of FMR:

• Colonial Legacy: 
  • The India-Myanmar border, drawn by the British in 1826, split ethnic communities arbitrarily. 
  • The FMR sought to address this historical oversight by allowing divided communities to maintain their ties.
• Trade and Commerce: 
  • The FMR sought to boost local trade, crucial for the sustenance of local livelihoods. 
  • Indian towns serve as essential hubs for business, education, and healthcare for many border residents in Myanmar.

Unintended Consequences Leading to Security Concerns:

• Illegal Immigration: 
  • Post the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the persecution of Kuki-Chin communities led to increased migration into Manipur. 
  • Such large-scale movement has contributed to ethnic tensions, especially between the Meiteis and Kukis.
• Narco-Terrorism and Smuggling: 
  • With a mostly unfenced and rugged terrain, the FMR has inadvertently facilitated drug trafficking and gun running. 
  • Insurgent groups have exploited these porous boundaries, establishing bases in Myanmar and engaging in illicit trades.
• Alleged Settlements & Deforestation: 
  • The Manipur government claims that new villages are being created illegally in the hills by settling migrants from Myanmar, which also has environmental implications due to deforestation. 
  • This settlement issue has been a significant contention point between the hill-dwelling Kukis and the valley-dwelling Meiteis.

Government and Local Responses:

• Migration Control: 
  • The Manipur government, along with paramilitary forces, has taken measures to identify and deport illegal migrants, especially after alleged influxes post the Myanmar coup.
• FMR Suspension: 
  • Recognizing the challenges, the FMR was temporarily suspended in September 2022. 
  • However, the complete removal might adversely impact the livelihoods of local populations.

Conclusion: 

While the Free Movement Regime was conceptualized with positive intentions, its implications in the current political and security scenario, especially in Manipur, cannot be overlooked. There is a pressing need to strike a balance – to uphold the spirit of the FMR while ensuring the safety and security of India’s borders and internal regions. Enhanced regulation, joint patrols with Myanmar authorities, and rigorous border management can be solutions to address these dual challenges.